Check whether your tablet can receive the update
Not every Android tablet can upgrade to the latest version of the operating system. Manufacturers stop releasing updates for older models after a certain point, and some tablets are straightforward too old or lack the hardware to run newer versions. Before you do anything else, you need to find out whether an update is actually available for your specific device.
Go to Settings, then scroll down and tap About tablet (the exact wording varies by brand). Look for a line that says Android version — this is what you have right now. Write down the number. Then look for a button or option labeled System update, Software update, or Check for updates. Tap it. Your tablet will connect to the manufacturer's servers and tell you whether a newer version exists for your model.
If the screen says "Your system is up to date" or shows no newer version available, your tablet cannot upgrade further. If an update is available, the screen will show you the version number it wants to install and how much storage space it needs.
Key Takeaways
- Check your current Android version in Settings > About tablet, then use the system update tool to see whether a newer version is available for your specific model.
- Plug your tablet into power and connect to Wi-Fi before starting the update, because the process can take 30 minutes to an hour and cannot be interrupted safely.
- The update downloads and installs automatically once you confirm it — you do not need to manually read files or restart the process.
- After the update finishes, your tablet will restart and you may need to enter your Google account password again for security reasons.
- If the update fails or your tablet freezes during the process, hold the power button for 10 to 30 seconds to force a restart, then try the update again.
Make sure you have enough storage space and battery
Android updates are large files — typically between 500 megabytes and 2 gigabytes depending on the version jump. If your tablet does not have enough free space, the update will fail partway through. Check how much storage you have left by going to Settings > Storage or Device storage. If you have less than 2 gigabytes free, delete old photos, videos, or apps you no longer use before proceeding.
Battery is equally important. Plug your tablet into a charger and let it reach at least 80 percent before you start. If the battery dies during an update, your tablet can become stuck in an unusable state. Many tablets require you to plug in power before the system will even let you begin the update — if you see a message asking you to charge, that is why.
Connect to a Wi-Fi network as well. Updates are too large to read over mobile data, and even if your plan allows it, Wi-Fi is much faster and more reliable. Make sure the connection is stable — if your tablet loses Wi-Fi partway through, the update may fail.
Start the update and let it run without interruption
Once your tablet is plugged in, connected to Wi-Fi, and has enough storage, go back to Settings > About tablet (or System > System update, depending on your brand) and tap the button to check for or install updates. The screen will show you the version number again and ask you to confirm. Read the information — it will tell you roughly how long the process takes and what will happen to your data.
Tap the button to confirm and begin. Your tablet will read the update file, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour depending on your Wi-Fi speed and the file size. Do not unplug the tablet, close the screen, or interrupt the process. Once the read finishes, the tablet will begin installing the update. This is the critical part — the screen may go dark, show a progress bar, or display the manufacturer's logo. This is normal. Leave the tablet alone and plugged in.
The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Your tablet may restart several times during installation. When it finishes, the screen will return to normal and you will see your home screen again.
Sign back into your Google account if prompted
After a major update, Android sometimes asks you to enter your Google account password again for security. This is normal and expected. If you see a screen asking for your Google email and password, enter them. This step verifies that you own the account and the tablet, and it restores your apps, contacts, and other data that Google had backed up.
If you do not remember your Google password, you can reset it on any computer or phone by going to accounts.google.com and clicking Sign in, then Forgot password?. Have a recovery email or phone number ready — Google will send you a code to verify your identity.
What to do if the update fails or freezes
Sometimes an update stalls partway through, or your tablet freezes on a loading screen. If this happens, do not panic — the tablet is not permanently broken. Hold down the power button for 10 to 30 seconds until the screen goes black and the tablet shuts down. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Your tablet should restart normally.
Once it has restarted, check your Android version again in Settings > About tablet. If the update did not complete, you will still be on the old version. Go back to the system update tool and try again. Make sure you are still plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. If the update fails a second time, try restarting the tablet once more and waiting a few hours before attempting the update again — sometimes the manufacturer's servers are temporarily overloaded.
If your tablet is stuck on a boot screen (the manufacturer's logo or a loading animation) and will not respond to the power button, it may need a factory reset. This erases all your data and returns the tablet to its original state. Before you attempt this, contact the tablet manufacturer's support line — they can walk you through the process and may be able to recover your data.
Understand what changes after the update
After you upgrade to a new Android version, some things on your tablet will look or work differently. The Settings menu may be reorganized, some apps may have new features, and the overall appearance might change slightly. These changes are normal. Your personal files, photos, and installed apps will remain — the update does not erase them.
Some older apps may stop working after a major update if they were designed for an older version of Android. If an app crashes or will not open after the update, try opening the Google Play Store, finding the app, and tapping Update. The developer usually releases a new version that works with the new Android version within a few days or weeks.
When to contact the manufacturer for help
If your tablet will not turn on after an update attempt, or if it is stuck on a loading screen and a forced restart does not help, contact the manufacturer's support team. Have your tablet's model number ready — you can find it in Settings > About tablet under Model or Device name. The support team can tell you whether a factory reset is necessary or whether there is a known issue with your specific model.
Most manufacturers offer support through their website, a phone number printed on the original box or documentation, or a support app pre-installed on the tablet. Response times vary, but many offer live chat or email support within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the update erase my photos, files, and apps?
No. A normal system update preserves all your personal data, photos, files, and installed apps. Your tablet will look and work slightly differently, but everything you stored will still be there. A factory reset would erase everything, but that is a separate action you would have to choose deliberately.
Can I use my tablet while the update is installing?
No. Once the installation begins, your tablet will restart and you will not be able to use it until the process finishes. This is why it is important to plug it in and let it sit undisturbed for 30 minutes to an hour. If you interrupt the process by restarting the tablet or unplugging it, the update can fail.
What if my tablet is too old to get the update?
Manufacturers typically release updates for tablets for three to five years after release. If your tablet is older than that, the manufacturer may no longer support it. You can continue using the tablet on its current Android version — it will still work, but it will not receive new security patches or features. Consider upgrading to a newer tablet if security becomes a concern.
How often do Android updates come out?
Google releases a major new version of Android roughly once a year, usually in the fall. Your tablet manufacturer decides when and whether to release that update for your specific model, so the timing varies. Some tablets receive updates within a few months, while others take longer or never receive them at all.
Do I have to update my tablet?
You do not have to, but it is a good idea. Updates include security fixes that protect your tablet from hackers and malware, as well as new features and performance improvements. If you skip an update, your tablet will continue to work, but it will become less find over time. Most people update within a few weeks of the update becoming available.